STR Turnover

Airbnb Turnover Cleaning Checklist: What a “Guest-Ready” Reset Really Includes

STR cleaning isn’t the same as residential cleaning. You’re not just making a space “clean”—you’re resetting it to a standard that strangers judge in seconds. The fastest way to protect your reviews is a consistent turnover checklist paired with photo reporting.

Here’s what a true guest-ready turnover should include.

Step 1: Arrival check (before you start cleaning)

Confirm checkout time has passed

Quick walk-through for:

damage, missing items, stains

unusual trash, smoke smell, pests

Take quick photos of any issues before touching anything

Step 2: Bedrooms (what guests notice first)

Strip beds and bag used linens

Make beds with fresh linens (tight corners, aligned pillows)

Dust reachable surfaces (nightstands, lamps, frames)

Wipe high-touch points (remote, switches, door handles)

Vacuum thoroughly (edges + under bed if accessible)

Check:

hair on sheets

lint on dark fabrics

smudges on mirrors

Step 3: Bathrooms (the “review zone”)

Disinfect sink, counter, faucet

Clean toilet completely (inside, outside, base area)

Clean shower/tub (tiles, fixtures, glass)

Polish mirrors (no streaks)

Replace towels and bathmat

Restock:

toilet paper (backup roll visible)

hand soap

tissues (if provided)

Mop floors with attention to corners

Step 4: Kitchen + dining

Wipe/disinfect counters and table

Clean sink + faucet, remove food debris

Clean microwave inside and out

Check fridge for old food (only remove per host rules)

Clean stovetop + backsplash

Replace dish sponge/cloth (if you supply)

Re-stage neatly:

dishes aligned

coffee/tea station tidy

Step 5: Living room + common areas

Dust/wipe surfaces

Vacuum upholstery (if needed) and floors

Clean glass (TV stand, coffee table)

Neaten cords, pillows, throws (staged, not random)

Wipe remotes + touchpoints

Step 6: Restocking (small things that prevent bad reviews)

Depending on your host standards:

trash bags, paper towels, dishwasher pods

shampoo/soap (if you provide)

coffee, sugar, tea

basic cleaning wipes

The key is consistency: guests notice when the last stay had essentials and this stay doesn’t.

Step 7: Final “guest-ready” walk-through (2 minutes)

Before you lock up:

Lights on in key areas (if host wants)

Thermostat set to host standard

No odors, no visible hair, no streaked mirrors

Take final photos:

made beds

bathrooms

kitchen overview

living area

Damage/issue reporting (what professional turnovers do)

The best turnover teams don’t just clean—they protect the asset:

report damage with photos

flag missing linens/towels

alert host if supplies are low

note maintenance items (leaks, loose handles, broken blinds)

Need reliable STR turnovers?

Alpha Crew Property Services supports Airbnb/STR turnovers with photo reporting, checklists, and reliable scheduling.
Get a quote and tell us your property type, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and turnover frequency.